Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The strengths of director Schele Williams’ new production, slated for Broadway in April, include a rich performance from the long-phenomenal (and here underused) Broadway veteran Deborah Cox (”Jekyll & Hyde”) as Glinda; a breakout turn from Phillip Johnson Richardson, who wakes up the production when he creaks on stage as the Tinman and who’s a joint-creaking delight all night long; a hip, lush and consistently fascinating and unconventional design from Hannah Beachler (”Black Panther”) that leans into the show’s vaunted place in the history of Black Broadway and, when it actually is allowed to take focus, some thrilling choreography from JaQuel Knight, the man famously behind the moves in Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” video. Sharen Davis’s costumes, a riot of color and imagination, are also fantastic."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Ultra-fantastical and sometimes fantastic, the eager-to-please, set-to-11, relentlessly stimulating revival of seminal hit “The Wiz” addresses head-on the challenge of audiences who, if bored for even a few seconds, might just start itching for their TikTok feed."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...The Wiz is here, and it's time to "Ease On Down The Road" to Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre. The original Baltimore cast of the play included Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, Stu Gilliam as the Scarecrow, Tiger Haynes as the Tin Man, and Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion. However, only Ted Ross was kept in the movie adaptation produced by Universal Pictures and Motown Productions in 1977, which starred Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Nipsey Russell. Interestingly, Jimmy JJ Walker, from the hit sitcom Good Times, was initially offered the movie role of the Scarecrow. Director Schele Williams of the North American Touring cast maintains the plot and comedic humor within the production, mixing electrifying modern jazz, hip-hop, soul, and ballet."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...While the basic story is the same, it is the presentation that makes a difference. The scarecrows do more in the scene with The Scarecrow, the journey to Oz has other pitfalls as our heroes have to stave off an attack by Kalidahs (witch -like characters). Glinda (Deborah Cox) is still around and the other witch, Evillene (an incredible performance, taking on a second role by Betts) is in the picture."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Taken alone, the work contributed by all these gifted theatre artists is alone worth the experience of attending this revival; but combined with a beloved story and its heartfelt theme, the skillful direction, choreography, gorgeous music and all the glorious performances that bring this story to life, no one in Chicago should miss easing on down the road to see this marvelous, magical pre-Broadway musical."
Buzznews.net - Recommended
"...There is a wealth of talent in this cast. Chicago’s own Melody A. Betts shines in the dual role of Aunt Em/Evillene. Deborah Cox as Glinda the Good Witch was another standout. I would suggest the ladies in this cast find the emotional depth rather than relying on vocal acrobatics. Runs and riffs convey vocal ability, which we know this cast has, it does not convey emotion."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...For me, THE WIZ has always been a nontraditional -almost defiant- take on the beloved story. This THE WIZ is a mellower version of that. Still, the cast is super talented! The show is fun. THE WIZ conjures up a good time!"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Ease on down to the ticket office and take in this splendid musical theatre treat before these great talents take to the Yellow Brick Road, hopefully for a long and healthy stay in the Emerald City."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls (with the notable assistance of Luther Vandross for the second act anthem “Brand New Day”) and a book by William F. Brown, The Wiz was an early example of a big-budget Broadway hit with an all-Black cast that drew thousands of fans for its infectious tunes, imaginative staging and bravura performances. No less a theater luminary than Stephen Sondheim called it his favorite Broadway show (not written by himself, of course)."
Chicago On Stage - Recommended
"...There is something wonderful about The Wiz, the joyful Black take on The Wizard of Oz, and it comes from the sense of exuberant celebration that pervades the whole show if it is done well. I’ve seen it live up to this potential, but I’ve also seen it fall flat due to weak casting, poor direction, and lack of creativity. This new pre-Broadway edition, though rough around the edges as one might expect, shows most of the hallmarks of potential greatness and is in fact extremely enjoyable even as it is right now, but there is an awkward hole at its center despite some excellent new additions to the book by clever comedy writer Amber Ruffin."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...“The Wiz” is ingeniously directed by Schele Williams with some clever choreography by JaQuel Knight that amplifies a superb company large in number and steeped with talent running through their paces at a size and scope rarely seen in a touring production. The show premiered in Baltimore in late September and is making a multi-city tour in advance of its scheduled debut on Broadway in March 2024 with a lot of professional steam behind the William F. Brown book with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The Broadway-bound fiftieth-anniversary revival of “The Wiz” gets to the heart of what made “The Wiz” so special: song and dance. In this case, make sure that every member of the cast can sing like they are leading a revival meeting, as if their lives depended on it with maximum vocal virtuosity and intensity. Surround them with an onstage congregation of life-affirming dancers who can shake up—and literally dance up—a storm and can sing praiseworthy affirmative amens."
